Aside

Contact

Language Skills

R - Proficient
Python - Novice
Bash - Novice
Spanish - Novice

Lab Skills

Microbiology: sterile technique, simple stains, metabolic tests, identification of bacterial genus by rRNA sequencing, ELISA, Ames test, culture maintenance

Molecular Biology: DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, in situ RNA hybridization

Honors

Leo M. Leva Memorial Prize in Biology

Sigma Xi, Associate member

Centennial Conference Academic Honor Roll

Captain: Women’s Varsity Cross Country and Track

Transferable Skills

Scientific writing

Literature review

Data analysis

Experimental design

Sample and quality data management

Leadership and teaching

Disclaimer

Made w/ pagedown.

Source code: github.com/nstrayer/cv.

Last updated on 2020-03-13.

Main

Isabel Erickson

I have experience with data analysis, experimental design, data quality management, and literature reviews that can be applied to clinical projects. I have had the opportunity to do chairside observation of clinical specimen collection and have managed and tracked through data generation ten derivative samples per patient. I am searching for a research assistant position on a clinical project in order to further my goal of attending graduate school for clinical psychology.

Education

B.A. Biology (Philosophy Minor)

Swarthmore College

Swarthmore, PA

2018 - 2014

  • Thesis: Unusual Composition and Predicted Function of the Gut Microbiomes of Avian Nectarivores as Revealed by 16S rDNA Analysis
  • Graduated with High Honors

Research Positions

IRTA Postbaccalaureate, NHGRI

Segre Laboratory

National Institute of Health

2019 - 2018

  • Improved reference-based classification of microbial DNA from human samples by determining that a significant percentage of metagenomic reads derived from skin isolates were environmental contaminants from diverse sources.
  • Performed culturomics, generating ~2000 bacterial isolates from the skin of healthy volunteers. Extracted DNA from 500 colonies for whole genome sequencing. Catalogued and organized all samples.
  • Wrote a bash script to build a lab-specific Kraken2 reference database. Wrote a tutorial in Rmarkdown to integrate database into lab metagenomics pipeline.

Honors thesis research, Microbiology lab

Vollmer Laboratory

Swarthmore College

2017

  • Using illumina sequencing of DNA extracted and amplified from hummingbird fecal samples, determined that the hummingbird gut microbiome is dominated by Actinobacteria
  • Recieved and tracked ~300 biological samples from a collaborator in the field and developed a system to ensure that all material derived from these samples (extracted DNA, amplicons, sequencing data) could be matched to data collected in the field.
  • Performed a literature review to guide experimental design and protocol development.

Undergraduate Researcher, Developmental Biology lab

Davidson lab

Swarthmore College

2015

  • Determined that left-right asymmetry development in Ciona intestinalis depends on the presence of the embryonic chorion but not on asymmetric expression of pitx, furthering the lab’s goals of elucidating cardiac development.
  • Established lab protocol for in situ hybridization using an antisense RNA probe.
  • Using a confocal microscope, developed protocol for live imaging of cardiac precursor cell migration.

Teaching

Microbial Ecology TA

Microbial biology lab

Swarthmore College

2016

  • Worked with a professor as part of a group of four to plan and prepare reagents, plates, and cultures for lab.
  • Demonstrated techniques of microbial biology to a class of twelve students and guided students through laboratory exercises.

Tutor

Dare to Soar

Chester, PA

2016

  • Assisted groups of 10-20 elementary and middle school students with reading and math homework for 2 hours per week as part of a team of 2-3 tutors.
  • Engaged with students of varied backgrounds and interests to encourage appreciation for academics.

Tutor

Science for Kids

Swarthmore, PA

2015

  • Taught group of 15 middle-school children scientific concepts including projectile motion and basic coding.

Tutor

Science for Kids

Swarthmore, PA

2015

  • Taught group of 5 high-school age children biological concepts around DNA duplication, expression, and regulation.
  • Oversaw student-run experiments to improve understanding of embryo development, enzyme regulation, and cell growth.
  • Provided students with guidance in scientific writing in preparation for a poster presentation at a community science fair.

Presentations

American Society for Microbiology

Poster presentation: Changes in hummingbird gut microbiomes in relation to migratory fattening cycles

Atlanta, GA

June 2018

Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology

Poster presentation: Gut Microbiota of Sympatric Migratory and Resident Hummingbirds

Tampa, FL

January 2019

NIH Translational & Functional Genomics Branch Meeting

Oral presentation: You find what you look for: Improving reference-based methods of classifying metagenomic sequences

Bethesda, MD

April 2019

Other Work

Line Cook

Bar Harbor Lobster Company

Bar Harbor, ME

2019

  • Coordinated timing of meal production between three teams to ensure prompt and high quality food for guests.
  • Monitored and maintained stocks of food prepared for service.
  • Ensured food safety through proper labelling, storage, and organization of ingredients.

Line cook and baking assistant

Sweet Pea’s Cafe

Bar Harbor, ME

2016

  • Worked as part of a team of seven to prepare ingredinets for use on the line during service and with a team of four during service to cook meals.
  • Maintained sourdough culture through daily feeding and temperature regulation for use in baking sourdough, brioche, pizza dough, baguettes, and focaccia.
  • Helped maintain inventory by identifying ingredients for purchase and prep.